Replay: Chat with recruiting expert Sean Merriman

Sean answered readers' questions Feb. 6, 2017

Sean is here to answer your questions about Michigan and MSU football and basketball recruiting, Signing Day and more. Sean used to work for rivals.com and the Big Ten Network and now is with Intersport.

by James Jahnke1/31/2017 4:47:38 PM

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Hello all!

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:01:16 PM

Welcome to today's recruiting chat, let's get started

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:01:25 PM

Go green

by Jim2/6/2017 4:01:27 PM

Which future RB would best "fit" Michigan's offense as someone to target for en elite presence that would boost our running back by committee approach?

by H8_ST82/6/2017 4:02:10 PM

I think a lot of people have forgotten about Kareem Walker. He didn't play last year and had some off-the-field struggles, but he was the No. 1-ranked RB in the nation coming to Michigan. If he gets back on track, I think he has the chance to be an elite feature back for the Wolverines

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:04:16 PM

msu next B Ball commit? we in on johns Elliot?

by tenn spaty2/6/2017 4:04:49 PM

Yes, Michigan State recently offered Greg Elliot from Detroit. Would be nice to add a guard to the class. I still think MSU is in a good position with Brian Bowen. Zero news on Brandon McCoy as of late, which might not be a good thing for the Spartans there. Stay tuned.

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:07:53 PM

What is Michigan's biggest position of need in the 2018 class?

by Jolly Green Giant2/6/2017 4:08:10 PM

The Wolverines have two commits right now in the 2018 class, an O-lineman and a linebacker. I think Michigan needs to load up in the trenches in this class. Offensive and defensive tackle is the biggest need here.

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:11:42 PM

Unless we see a comeback like Tom Brady pulled yesterday, UM is not going to make the dance. Does that hurt recruiting

by Frank the Tank2/6/2017 4:12:01 PM

I don't think it really alters it much. They didn't make it last year. John Beilein has a specific style he likes to recruit and will continue doing so

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:12:32 PM

Does Michigan have a chance to grow on their momentum from 2017 and recruit some big names from the south?

by Jolly Green Giant2/6/2017 4:12:45 PM

Absolutely. Landing a guy like Aubrey Solomon is so much bigger than just getting a five-star player. They stole this guy from SEC Country when teams like Georgia and Alabama really wanted him. This should be a huge step in the right direction for the Wolverines.

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:14:11 PM

What RB's are MSU looking at for 2018?

by Dan2/6/2017 4:14:27 PM

The No. 1 guy to keep an eye on right now at the RB position in the 2018 class is Jaelen Gill, a four-star RB out of Ohio. Obviously Ohio State will be the team to beat here. The key will be getting Gill to East Lansing for a visit this year.

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:16:49 PM

Other than being 'safe' what does Harbaugh see in speight as he lacks that critical capability to take the team down the field when the game is on the line???

by Go bleau2/6/2017 4:17:09 PM

I disagree with that, respectively. I thought Speight was outstanding this season, better than expected. Did you see what happened when he was hurt and O'Korn was forced into action? No doubt, Peters and McCaffery are the future at the QB position for the Wolverines, but I think it's without question that Speight is the most game-ready QB on at roster.

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:18:44 PM

Will Michigan have a top 3 class in the near future?

by Jolly Green Giant2/6/2017 4:19:24 PM

Are we talking Basketball or Football? They did have a Top 3 class in football

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:19:50 PM

Hi Sean. The FB class looks like a typical Dantonio body of work. Perhaps we're fortunate after a 3-9 year. Is there any news on Cassius Peat? We could use some bigger bodies to round out this class.

by Larry802/6/2017 4:20:06 PM

From what I've heard, there is a really good chance Peat transfers back to Michigan State. Wouldn't that be a strange turn of events? I agree though, would like to see them build up that d-line with a guy like Peat.

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:22:04 PM

Give me what you think MSU's best case/dream class for 2018 football recruits would be

by TD2/6/2017 4:22:05 PM

I think signing a Top 15 National Class in 2018 would be best case/dream class for MSU. That would include landing some of the elite recruits in the state of Michigan: Marquan McCall, Theo Day, Kalon Gervin, and Ryan Hayes. As well as contining to make great strides in Ohio. They already have three of the Top 10 players in the state of Ohio in the 2018 class.

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:25:54 PM

Why would Devon Assisi leave? When there is a opportunity for him to see more playing time?

by Jason Tipsword2/6/2017 4:26:01 PM

He said he was looking to go back near his hometown. No doubt, he was expected to be an elite-level TE for the Wolverines this season.

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:27:10 PM

Sean, thank you for reminding everyone about Kareem Walker. I don't know why everybody has forgotten about this guy.

by Santo2/6/2017 4:27:38 PM

Harbaugh always said the positions are not gaurenteed, but really does Peters have a chance of coming out of spring ball with a starter job?

by Frank the Tank2/6/2017 4:27:43 PM

Does he have a chance? Yes. But I don't see any possibility, outside of injury, where Wilton Speight isn't the Wolverines starting QB in 2017

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:28:30 PM

Who will be the starting quarterback in 2017?

by Bleu2/6/2017 4:28:56 PM

For who?

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:29:07 PM

Is the future at QB for MSU Lewerke or DeWeaver ??

by Spaarty2/6/2017 4:29:19 PM

I think Lewerke gets first shot at being the starter in 2017. Dantonio made that pretty clear during his end of the year address.

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:29:55 PM

Sean, got to get back to work, just wanted to say the Signing day coverage you guys did last week was fantastic.... thanks

by Frank the Tank2/6/2017 4:30:01 PM

Awesome, appreciate the love, thanks @Frank The Tank!

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:30:17 PM

Its interesting to see the Sparty fans here looking toward 18 already. Make no mistake Green guys, you WILL have a better season than this year. I have that much faith in YOUR coach!

by Frank the Tank2/6/2017 4:30:32 PM

green getting tugs or McCoy?

by tenn sparty2/6/2017 4:31:09 PM

I like where Michigan State is at with Bowen right now. Have heard next to nothing on Brandom McCoy as of late, which probably isn't a good thing

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:31:44 PM

Michigan's recruiting class 2017. Your opinion: On of the best in college football this year?

by Bob2/6/2017 4:32:06 PM

read where tugs all but signed with zona and msu 3rd on list ? true?

by tenn sparty2/6/2017 4:32:54 PM

No

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:32:57 PM

Who is on michigans board as far as running backs for 2018 and I know it's early and there chances thanks

by Go Blue2/6/2017 4:33:07 PM

TJ Pledger is a big-time RB recruit in the 2018 class. Many believe he's the top RB prospect in the nation. He's an IMG kid, which, of course, is where MSU held its spring practices last year.

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:36:13 PM

Your opinion: State's 2017 recruiting class. On of the best in college football this year?

by Bob2/6/2017 4:36:47 PM

No. Good class, filled some needs, but certainly not among the elite classes in college football this year

by Sean Merriman2/6/2017 4:37:25 PM

Who is the "must get" running back for Michigan State in the 2018 class?